Photo taken by MBC staff on location
The Norfolk Association for Community Living is responding to concerns from families as an ongoing strike continues to affect developmental services.
In an August 28 letter, NACL’s Board of Directors addressed several issues surrounding the labour dispute, including bargaining, employee compensation, finances, family involvement and picketing outside homes where people receive services.
NACL says it supports better compensation for workers but argues provincial funding has limited what it can offer.
“We do not dispute that our employees deserve improved compensation. But at the same time, as a not-for-profit organization with limited funding, NACL must operate in a prudent and fiscally responsible manner.”
The agency says it last met with its local OPSEU bargaining team in July 2025, when NACL presented a proposed settlement covering outstanding issues. It says it has remained ready to return to negotiations since then.
“The solution to the current disruption is for NACL and OPSEU to meet at the local bargaining table and hammer out a settlement, with or without mediator assistance.”
NACL says the previous collective agreement expired in March 2023, with current bargaining focused on wage increases dating back to April 2023. The agency says it received no additional wage funding during that period, limiting its ability to meet OPSEU’s requests without putting services at risk.
The letter went on to push back against suggestions that NACL is withholding or “hiding” money, plainly stating “This is inaccurate.” They went on to note their financial books and statements undergo an independent audit each year. Those audited statements are presented at its Annual General Meeting and made available on the organization’s website.
Another major concern raised in the letter involves picketing at or immediately outside private homes where people receiving NACL services live.
NACL says it respects the legal right of employees to strike and participate in lawful protests. However, the organization believes bringing labour action to private residences can be distressing for the people it supports and should not be part of the dispute.
“There are many appropriate places to protest and advocate for improved compensation. A person’s home should remain a safe space.”
Moving forward, NACL says it will continue advocating for increased and sustainable provincial funding while working toward a locally negotiated agreement with OPSEU.
The organization is also encouraging families and employees to review available information, attend its Annual General Meeting and speak with NACL leadership and Board representatives as the labour dispute continues.
Written by Jeremy Hall
